Seville’s Feria de Abril: What It Is, When It Happens, and Why You’ll Love It

Feria in Seville is a week-long celebration of music, dancing, and local culture that brings the whole city to life. From colorful dresses and flamenco rhythms to food, fairground rides, and late-night parties, it’s one of the most exciting times to visit.

But if it’s your first time, it can also feel a little overwhelming – so how do you join in without missing the best parts?

Here’s everything you need to know about Feria in Seville so you can enjoy the festival like a local.

History of Feria in Seville

Seville’s Feria began in 1847 as a cattle trading fair that lasted three days in April. José María Ybarra and Narciso Bonaplata proposed the idea to Queen Isabel II, who quickly approved it.

The first celebration took place at Prado de San Sebastián, where it remained for 126 years until moving to its current location at Los Remedios in 1973.

What started as a business event gradually transformed into a social celebration. By the late 19th century, the fair had already begun to take on its modern form with casetas (booths) appearing alongside the cattle trading.

The early casetas were simple canvas structures where deals were made. Over time, these evolved into the elaborate social spaces you’ll find today.

Women’s fashion has been central to Feria since the 1930s. The traditional traje de flamenca (flamenco dress) became the official outfit for ladies attending the event – a tradition that continues now.

The Portada (entrance gate) has been redesigned annually since the early 20th century, with each year featuring a unique architectural theme honoring Seville’s landmarks or cultural elements.

Check out this video (no Spanish language required!) to see just what you can expect from this incredible, colorful event!

Understanding Feria de Abril

Feria de Abril (April Fair) is Seville’s most important annual celebration – a week-long festival combining tradition, flamenco, horses, and non-stop partying that showcases Andalusian culture at its finest.

Dates and Duration

Feria de Abril typically begins two weeks after Easter Holy Week (Semana Santa). The festivities kick off on Monday at midnight with the “alumbrado” – the lighting ceremony when thousands of colorful bulbs illuminate the fairground.

Each day follows a distinct rhythm. Mornings are perfect for families and feature horse parades. Afternoons bring dancing, eating, and drinking in the casetas (tents). Nights transform into lively celebrations that often continue until sunrise.

The fair always concludes on Sunday with a spectacular fireworks display over the Guadalquivir River, marking the end of the festivities until next year.

Location Insights

The fair takes place in the Los Remedios neighborhood, across the river from Seville’s historic center. This dedicated 24-acre fairground called “Real de la Feria” was established in 1973 when the celebration outgrew its previous location.

That said, you don’t need to stay in this part of Seville to easily reach the fairground, as you’ve got options like:

• Public bus (special Feria routes)
• Taxi (expect surcharges during fair week)
• Metro (closest station is Parque de los Príncipes)
• Walking (about 30 minutes from the city center)

Keep in mind that parking is extremely limited, so public transportation is your best option to avoid frustration.

The entrance to the fairgrounds is marked by the iconic “Portada” – a massive decorative gate that changes design each year.

The Fairground Layout

The fairground follows a grid pattern with streets named after famous bullfighters and flamenco artists. The main thoroughfare, “Calle del Infierno” (Hell Street), features carnival rides and food stalls stretching almost a kilometer.

Over 1,000 casetas (private tents) line the streets, organized as follows:

• Family casetas – owned by families or groups of friends
• Member casetas – run by organizations or businesses
• Public casetas – open to everyone (look for “Casetas Públicas” signs)

Most casetas are private and require an invitation, but about 15-20 public casetas welcome all visitors. Inside, you’ll find:

• Live music and flamenco dancing
• Food stations serving tapas and traditional dishes
• Bars serving rebujito (sherry mixed with 7-Up)
• Seating areas for socializing

The fairground also features a dedicated horse area where equestrian exhibitions take place throughout the week.

Attending as a Visitor

Experiencing the Feria de Abril as a visitor offers an incredible glimpse into Andalusian culture, complete with unique traditions, food, and celebrations that make this spring festival so special.

Dress Code and Etiquette

The Feria has an unwritten dress code that locals take seriously. Women often wear flamenco dresses (trajes de flamenca) in bright colors with polka dots or floral patterns. Men typically dress formally in suits or at minimum smart attire with a jacket and tie.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a flamenco dress – smart casual clothing works fine for tourists. You’ll blend in better wearing colorful outfits rather than all black or very casual clothes like shorts and t-shirts.

Remember to greet people with “buenos días” or “buenas tardes” when entering casetas (tents). Most private casetas require an invitation, but public ones welcome everyone.

Tips for Enjoying the Fair

Plan to visit both during day and night – the atmosphere transforms completely. Daytime offers horse parades and family activities, while nights burst with music, dancing, and lights.

Book accommodation months in advance as hotels fill quickly during Feria week. Consider staying in nearby towns like Dos Hermanas if Seville is booked.

Try local specialties including rebujito (sherry mixed with lemon soda), pescaíto frito (fried fish), and montaditos (small sandwiches). Don’t forget to bring cash – many casetas don’t accept cards.

Use public transport to reach the fairgrounds. The city runs special bus services during Feria week, and the metro’s line 1 stops at “Blas Infante” station near the entrance.

Finally, take frequent breaks – the Feria can be overwhelming with its crowds and sensory experiences. Find a seat and enjoy people-watching to rest your feet.

Cultural Significance

The Feria de Abril represents the heart and soul of Sevillian identity, connecting generations through shared customs that have evolved since 1847. The celebration serves as both a cultural touchstone for locals and a window into Andalusian heritage for visitors.

Traditions and Customs

The Feria’s traditions center around the casetas – private tents where families and friends gather to eat, drink, and celebrate. You’ll find these tents lining the fairground streets, each decorated with colored paper lanterns and flowers. Most casetas belong to families or associations and require an invitation to enter, though public ones welcome everyone.

Food plays a crucial role in the festivities. Traditional Sevillian dishes like pescaíto frito (fried fish), jamón ibérico, and rebujito (a mix of manzanilla wine and soda) are everywhere.

The fair officially begins with the “alumbrado” – the lighting ceremony where thousands of bulbs illuminate the fairground entrance and main gate. This moment marks the start of a week filled with music, dance, and celebration.

The Sevillanas Dance

Sevillanas isn’t just a dance at Feria – it’s the rhythmic heartbeat of the entire celebration. Unlike other flamenco styles, Sevillanas follows a structured four-part sequence that tells a complete story through movement.

You’ll see people of all ages dancing in the casetas, from small children learning their first steps to elderly couples who’ve danced together for decades. The dance involves graceful hand movements, precise footwork, and proper posture.

Learning basic Sevillanas before attending the fair can really take your experience up a level. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube so take the time to learn a few steps and impress the locals at what us foreigners can do!

The music accompanying Sevillanas features guitars, castanets, and hand-clapping. It creates an infectious rhythm that’s hard to resist – even if you don’t know the steps, you’ll definitely find yourself swaying along.

Flamenco Fashion

Feria fashion isn’t just about looking good – it’s about honoring tradition and displaying Andalusian pride. Women wear the traje de flamenca (flamenco dress), characterized by its fitted bodice and ruffled skirt that flares dramatically from the knees down.

These dresses come in bold colors with polka dots or floral patterns. Accessories matter too – large earrings, decorative hair combs, and matching shawls complete the look. Every year brings new fashion trends within the traditional style, with changing hemlines, sleeve styles, and color combinations.

Men typically wear suits or the traje corto – a short jacket with high-waisted pants, often paired with boots and a wide-brimmed hat. Some opt for riding clothes to participate in the horse parades.

Children dress in miniature versions of adult attire, creating adorable photo opportunities throughout the fairgrounds. Fashion at Feria isn’t just clothing – it’s a walking art form that honors Seville’s cultural legacy.

Events and Activities

The Feria de Abril features a packed schedule of traditional events that showcase Andalusian culture. From spectacular light displays to emotional dances, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of authentic Spanish experiences throughout the week-long celebration.

Opening Night Ceremony

The Feria kicks off with the breathtaking “alumbrado” – the lighting ceremony that takes place at midnight on the first Saturday. Thousands gather to watch as the mayor flips the switch, illuminating over 200,000 bulbs that adorn the spectacular main entrance (portada) and fairgrounds.

The portada’s design changes yearly, often reflecting Seville’s architectural landmarks or cultural motifs. Its illumination is met with cheers, fireworks, and the popping of champagne corks.

After the lights come on, the celebration begins immediately. You’ll see locals dressed in traditional attire heading to casetas (tents) where music and dancing continue until dawn.

This magical night sets the festive tone for the week ahead, with the brilliantly lit fairgrounds creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Daily Parades

Each afternoon during Feria, the streets come alive with vibrant parades known as “paseos de caballos.” Hundreds of decorated carriages and riders on horseback make their way through the fairgrounds between noon and 8 PM.

Women dressed in colorful flamenco dresses (trajes de flamenca) ride alongside men in traditional “traje corto” – short jackets, tight pants, and wide-brimmed hats. These processions showcase Andalusian horsemanship and style.

Many families participate in these parades for generations, with elaborately decorated carriages passed down through family lines. Some carriages date back over 100 years!

You can watch the parade from the sidelines or rent a carriage for your own experience. The drivers typically follow a set route through the fairgrounds, allowing everyone to see and be seen.

The combination of beautiful horses, traditional costumes, and decorated carriages creates a moving display of Andalusian pride and heritage.

Bullfights

During Feria, Seville’s famous Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza hosts daily bullfights known as “corridas de toros”, many of which feature Spain’s most renowned matadors. Tickets range from €20 for sol (sunny) seats to over €100 for sombra (shaded) seats.

If you’re curious about the history but opposed to the full event, you can visit the bullring museum instead.

Music and Dance Shows

Flamenco takes center stage during Feria with spontaneous performances erupting throughout the fairgrounds. Most casetas feature live music and dance performances that continue late into the night.

Professional flamenco troupes also perform at various venues across the city. You’ll witness different flamenco styles – from the passionate “soleá” to the more upbeat “sevillanas,” which are especially popular during Feria.

The sevillanas dance is relatively easy to learn compared to other flamenco styles. Many casetas offer impromptu lessons, and you’ll quickly notice locals of all ages joining in.

Live bands provide the soundtrack with guitars, hand clapping, and traditional singing. In the public casetas, DJs often mix traditional music with modern hits later in the night.

Equestrian Events

Horse culture runs deep in Andalusia, and Feria celebrates this heritage with specialized equestrian competitions and exhibitions throughout the week.

The Real Club de Enganches de Andalucía hosts a spectacular carriage exhibition on the first Sunday. Dozens of antique carriages parade through Seville’s historic center before entering the bullring for judging.

Daily doma vaquera (cowboy dressage) demonstrations showcase the remarkable control and communication between riders and their Andalusian horses. These events highlight traditional ranching techniques that have been preserved for centuries.

You can also watch horse jumping competitions and pure breed exhibitions at the fairground’s dedicated equestrian area. Many of these events are free to attend.

For horse enthusiasts, visits to local horse farms can be arranged through tour companies. Here you’ll see these magnificent animals in training and learn about breeding programs that maintain the prestigious Spanish bloodlines.

The relationship between Andalusians and their horses is evident in the riders’ skillful handling and the animals’ elegant deportment.

Cuisine at Feria

Food plays a central role in Seville’s Feria celebrations, bringing people together through traditional Andalusian flavors and festive drinks that keep the party going.

Tapas and Traditional Dishes

The food stalls at Feria offer a mouth-watering array of classic Sevillian tapas. You’ll find tortilla española (Spanish omelet) and croquetas (fried bechamel fritters) at nearly every caseta.

Pescaíto frito (fried fish) is a must-try – crispy on the outside and tender inside. This dish typically includes small fish like boquerones (anchovies) and calamari, lightly battered and served with lemon wedges.

For heartier options, look for carrillada (slow-cooked pork cheeks) and rabo de toro (oxtail stew). These rich, tender meat dishes showcase Andalusian slow-cooking traditions.

Don’t miss the salmorejo – a cold tomato soup thicker than gazpacho, topped with ham and boiled egg. It’s perfect for cooling down during hot Feria days.

Drinks and Festive Spirits

Rebujito reigns as the official drink of Feria – a refreshing mix of dry Manzanilla sherry and lemon-lime soda. It’s served in tall glasses with mint and ice, making it dangerously easy to drink through long nights of dancing.

Local wines feature prominently too. Manzanilla and Fino – both dry, light sherries – come from nearby Jerez and Sanlúcar regions. They’re traditionally sipped from small glasses called catavinos.

For non-alcoholic options, try horchata (tiger nut milk) or tinto de verano without alcohol – a mix of lemon soda and non-alcoholic red wine.

The casetas (tents) often serve their drinks in custom cups with the family or organization’s emblem. These become popular souvenirs that capture memories of your Feria experience.

The Casetas

Casetas are the heart and soul of Seville’s Feria. These temporary tent structures become the hub of social activity during the week-long April Fair, with over 1,000 of them lining the fairground streets.

Private vs Public Casetas

Most casetas at the Feria belong to families, social clubs, or organizations. You’ll need an invitation to enter these private spaces – they’re not open to everyone. Don’t worry if you don’t have connections in Seville! About 15% of the casetas are public and welcome all visitors.

The public casetas are run by the city government and political parties. They’re clearly marked with signs saying “Caseta Pública” at the entrance. These spaces get crowded, especially in the evenings and on weekends.

Private casetas vary in size but typically host between 100-300 people. They’re passed down through generations and waiting lists for new private casetas can be decades long! Families share costs and take turns preparing food and arranging entertainment.

Decor and Ambiance

Each caseta has its own unique style, though traditional elements remain constant. The entrance typically features a decorative façade with the caseta’s name displayed prominently. Inside, you’ll find:

• Striped canvas walls (usually green and white or red and white)
• Paper lanterns and string lights
• Wooden dance floors
• Tables and chairs for dining
• A bar area
• Small kitchen space

The front half of the caseta serves as a social area with tables for eating and drinking. The back portion is dedicated to dancing – specifically sevillanas, the traditional dance of the Feria.

Music plays constantly, creating a lively atmosphere. Fresh flowers, particularly geraniums and carnations, adorn many casetas, adding pops of color to the festive space.

Feria de Abril is Seville in full color – late nights, loud music, and a mix of old traditions with pure fun. It’s a chance to see the city let loose after the seriousness of Semana Santa, and everyone’s invited to join in.

You don’t need a fancy outfit or a dance background to enjoy it. Just show up, soak it in, and leave your calendar open for a few long nights.